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    Alienware M17X R4 GTX 780m driver issues PLEASE HELP

    Discussion in 'Alienware 17 and M17x' started by Fortunato22, Jul 27, 2014.

  1. Fortunato22

    Fortunato22 Notebook Enthusiast

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    I recently switched out my GTX 675m for an GTX 780m and I've had a lot of problems trying to install the drivers. If anyone could PLEASE help me I would appreciate it very very much. If you need any more information or anything to make it easier to help me, just let me know. Thanks.
     
    Fortunato22, Jul 27, 2014
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  2. J.Dre

    J.Dre Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    J.Dre, Jul 27, 2014
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  3. Fortunato22

    Fortunato22 Notebook Enthusiast

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    Where is the download file on that url?
     
    Fortunato22, Jul 27, 2014
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  4. Fortunato22

    Fortunato22 Notebook Enthusiast

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    Fortunato22, Jul 27, 2014
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  5. MickyD1234

    MickyD1234 Notebook Prophet

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    Is the problem 'hardware not found'?

    You need a modified file to replace one of the originals. J95 posts them for each new driver release so you could search out his posts. Instructions included :).

    Or, go to LaptopVideo2Go: Drivers Select the driver version you are trying to install and follow the link for the 'INF' file. Replace the original in a sub-folder: c:\nvidia\displaydriver\version\display.driver\ and run the setup.exe one level up.

    Win8 is win7 as well on this site.

    Good luck.
     
    MickyD1234, Jul 28, 2014
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  6. Fortunato22

    Fortunato22 Notebook Enthusiast

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    Yep, that's the problem. I will check out his posts so I could follow the instructions and get the modified .inf. Thanks for the tips!
     
    Fortunato22, Jul 28, 2014
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  7. Fortunato22

    Fortunato22 Notebook Enthusiast

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    One more question, what do you mean by Win8 is Win7 on that site? Do you mean that I could use the Win8 downloads even if I have Win7?
     
    Fortunato22, Jul 28, 2014
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  8. MickyD1234

    MickyD1234 Notebook Prophet

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    Yes, it is for all versions post Vista :D.
     
    MickyD1234, Jul 28, 2014
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  9. J.Dre

    J.Dre Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    Don't mistake that for all of the drivers. Usually, only the video driver is compatible with whatever version you download (i.e. Windows 8/8.1 or Windows 7).

    Glad the issue is resolved. You should still considering flashing that modded vBIOS. It can potentially give you a 3000 point boost (when overclocked) on 3DMark 11.
     
    J.Dre, Jul 28, 2014
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  10. MickyD1234

    MickyD1234 Notebook Prophet

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    True, but NV are sticking to their unified driver model and don't want to get involved with separate drivers unless forced to. MS updated the win 7 HAL with all the new Win8 GPU calls - the origin of all the TDR issues :eek::

    TDR changes in Windows 8 (Windows Drivers)

    So the authors do not need any special code for earlier windows. Even if the HAL has not been updated it is designed to ignore them and use the original default behaviour if a problem is spotted or an illegal call is made ;)
     
    MickyD1234, Jul 28, 2014
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  11. Fortunato22

    Fortunato22 Notebook Enthusiast

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    Ok so I have successfully installed the drivers for my card, but now when I try to play games the GTX 780m isn't being used and the fps is horrible. Any ideas?
     
    Fortunato22, Jul 28, 2014
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  12. J.Dre

    J.Dre Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    You must be using the iGPU. Just hit FN+F7 and restart.
     
    J.Dre, Jul 28, 2014
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  13. MickyD1234

    MickyD1234 Notebook Prophet

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    Yes, you need to track down an unlocked BIOS and set the graphics to PEG. Optimus is getting in the way as the R4 was not designed for a 780m and is refusing to switch.

    You'd think that disabling the intel driver in windows would have the same effect but I've been told that does not work??

    Shame you never went for a 680m, very similar performance AND plug-n-play in the R4, but it's just a little trickier using an unapproved GPU :rolleyes:.
     
    MickyD1234, Jul 28, 2014
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  14. MickyD1234

    MickyD1234 Notebook Prophet

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    Be interesting to know if this works. I know a 680m in an R3 HAD to have the unlocked BIOS...
     
    MickyD1234, Jul 28, 2014
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  15. J.Dre

    J.Dre Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    It may not but it's worth a shot.

    As I asked and suggested on the first page - he should install/probably needs the custom vBIOS.
     
    J.Dre, Jul 28, 2014
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  16. MickyD1234

    MickyD1234 Notebook Prophet

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    Close man but it's the unlocked BIOS that allows disabling the intel and lets you get to the 780m. The custom vBIOS will unlock overclocking (and may boost voltage/mod default speeds?) ;).
     
    MickyD1234, Jul 28, 2014
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  17. Fortunato22

    Fortunato22 Notebook Enthusiast

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    I haven't been able to find an unlocked bios so far, but I'll keep trying. I'm most likely to return the 780m and get a 680m like Micky recommended. Either way, I really appreciate the help that you both gave me with trying to solve this issue whether it gets resolved or not.
     
    Fortunato22, Jul 28, 2014
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  18. MickyD1234

    MickyD1234 Notebook Prophet

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    I'd try a fresh post in the overclocking thread. There's usually someone that can post one (with instructions :))
     
    MickyD1234, Jul 28, 2014
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  19. comosc

    comosc Notebook Enthusiast

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    As everyone here has mentioned, you will need an unlocked bios to disable the integrated card and set to PEG. Check out the posts from J95 or go to the techinferno forums for unlocked bios.
     
    comosc, Jul 28, 2014
    #19